Affordable Housing

Resources
Options in Berkeley
Emergency Housing, Health and
Non-Profit Operated Social Services Hotline – Dial 211
Apartments • Free, accessible, 3-digit telephone
number for all Alameda County residents
46 • Emergency housing, food, financial aid,
1450 units
Looking for
properties healthcare, legal assistance & more
• Available 24 Hours per day seven days a
week.
BMR Projects • Use (888) 886-9660 for non-local calls

Affordable Housing Choices for

Affordable
410 units
35
properties
Alameda County
To explore housing options and other services
Rental Housing
in Berkeley?
on the internet, visit 211’s website:
www.achousingchoices.org
Berkeley Housing Authority
Section 8 Vouchers Affordable Housing Choices
across the Bay Area
For up-to-date affordable housing listings
1939 across the Bay Area, visit the One Home
vouchers website: www.onehomebayarea.org

The City does not operate any housing,
accept applications, track vacancies, or
maintain waiting lists. Anyone interested
in affordable housing in Berkeley must
contact the property owners/managers
directly.
Contact information is available at
www.cityofberkeley.info/affordable/
Many of these units are largely occupied
due to high demand. Use the Resources
panel for ways to find units available
now.
Berkeley-based Non-Profit
Housing Providers
Resources for Community Development
https://rcdhousing.org/finding-housing/
Satellite Affordable Housing Associates
http://www.sahahomes.org/apply
Berkeley Below Market Rate
Units
City of Berkeley
FAQ and contact information: Department of Health, Housing &
www.cityofberkeley.info/affordable/ Community Services
www.cityofberkeley.info/affordable/
Terms to Know
Any housing that has rent or
sales price restrictions is often
called “affordable housing.”
Berkeley offers several
Affordable
options to access affordable
Housing
housing including non-profit/
income subsidized units, BMR
units, and Section 8 vouchers.
The area median income is
the household income for
the median — or middle —
household in a region.
Area = A particular
Area geographical area, e.g.,
Median Alameda County
Income Median = Middle point: half of
(AMI) the households earn less than
the median while the other
half earn more
Income = Total income of the
entire household (everyone
18+)
The City’s affordable housing
program that provides
Below designated affordable units
Market in market rate apartment
buildings. Rents are set at
Rate
fixed “below market” rates
(BMR)
based on unit size to ensure
affordability.
Steps to Find Affordable Housing
Step 1: Identify Your Housing Needs & Preferences
Berkeley provides a variety of affordable housing options, but because the need for affordable housing is
much greater than the supply throughout the Bay Area, use 211 phone/web services to identify options across
Alameda County. Non-profit affordable housing is often targeted to certain populations:
• Senior: Minimum age requirements are either 55 or 62, depending on the development. Children are
usually not allowed, but live-in aides may be.
• Special Needs: You must have a documented mental, physical or developmental disability.
• Family: You may be a single parent with children, a two-parent family with or without children, or two or
more individuals.
• Transitional or Supportive: Housing for people emerging from homelessness or in need of special services.
Step 2: Check to See if Your Income Qualifies
Percentages of AMI are frequently used to determine eligibility for affordable projects. Typically, to be eligible,
your income must be less than 30%-120% AMI, depending on the property. Each project’s affordability
requirements are based on unique, complex criteria - only a property manager can determine your eligibility. If
you think your income is close to qualifying, submit an application to find out for sure.
Consider connecting with community resources to help you a credit check, security deposit , and budgeting to
prepare for applying. These are some resources to start:
Money Management International: https://www.moneymanagement.org/
Spark Point: https://uwba.org/sparkpoint/
Step 3: Contact Properties and/or Managers and Apply
Contact as many organizations and agencies to increase your chances of finding an affordable home.
• Visit websites and call properties to inquire about vacancies or joining a waitlist
• Use 211 Services to explore options across Alameda County
• Once you’ve submitted your applications or joined a waitlist, let each property know if you move or change
your phone number. Ask about the best way to keep in contact.
• Be prepared to provide financial and family information and your housing history.
Apply to as many affordable housing properties as you can, even if there is a long waiting list. You will
probably need to spend time waiting on waiting list. Be persistent & don’t get discouraged!